Charles Barkley was frustrated with the Knicks’ first-half defensive performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals — but had kudos for one bright spot on the other side of the ball.
During the “Inside the NBA” halftime show on Wednesday night, the Suns great laid into the Knicks for allowing wide open 3-pointers through the first half of Game 1 where the Knicks ended down 55-48.
“It’s really been terrible defense on the Knicks,” Barkley said when asked what the story of the first half was. “Cause if you actually look at [Julian Champagnie’s] threes. Why is he wide open? There’s no reason to be leaving him wide open.”
Champagnie led all scorers with 15 points in the first half, going 5-of-6 from the field, all of which came from 3-point range.
The Knicks were outshot from distance by the Spurs, who went 9-or-24 from three, while the Knicks ended the first half 6-or-20.
Barkley was impressed with Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored eight first-half points.
“The Spurs can’t guard the pick and roll. When [the Knicks] run the pick and roll with KAT they get something good everytime,” Barkley said. “We have to give KAT his flowers.”
